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Nutrition Profiles of Dairy Products

The dairy food group includes milk and milk-based products such as cheese and yogurt. Dairy foods are an excellent source of calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. They also contain protein, phosphorus, and vitamin A. Dairy foods are an important part of a healthy diet for people of all ages. Kids need dairy for strong bones and teeth. Adults need it for strong bones and to help keep their weight down.

Dairy foods are a good choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can also be a healthy snack. You can enjoy them plain, or use them in recipes. Some people are allergic to milk or have trouble digesting lactose, the sugar in milk. If you're one of these people, you can still get the nutrients you need from dairy foods by eating lactose-free milk and cheese or taking a lactase supplement. You can also find many dairy-free products in stores.

The bottom line is that dairy foods are an important part of a healthy diet. They offer a variety of nutrients that are essential for good health. So enjoy milk, cheese, and yogurt — and don't forget to include other dairy foods in your diet, too!

The dairy food group includes all fluid milk products and foods made from milk. This includes milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Dairy is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. It also contains other nutrients, including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.

Dairy products are a major source of calories and nutrients in the American diet. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume 3 cups (24 ounces) of fluid milk per day, or the equivalent of dairy, such as 1½ cups (12 ounces) of yogurt, 1 cup (8 ounces) of cottage cheese, or 2 ounces of natural cheese.

Dairy foods are a good source of many nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and riboflavin. Calcium is important for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. Phosphorus and potassium are minerals that work together to maintain proper fluid balance in the body and help to keep the heart functioning properly. Vitamin A is important for vision, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Riboflavin helps the body release energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Browse dairy
Yogurt

A yogurt is a dairy product made by fermentation of milk with a yogurt culture. The fermentation of lactose by the bacteria produces lactic acid, which gives yogurt its sour taste and characteristic thick consistency.

Yogurt
Whey protein powder

A whey protein powder is a dietary supplement that is high in protein. It is often used by bodybuilders and athletes to help build muscle mass.

Whey protein powder
Anejo cheese

Anejo cheese is a creamy, white cheese that is made from the milk of cows. It has a mild flavor and a smooth texture.

Anejo cheese
Asadero cheese

Asadero cheese is a white, semi-hard cheese from Mexico. The cheese is made from cows milk and has a mild, buttery flavor.

Asadero cheese
Blue cheese

Blue cheese is a cheese that has been inoculated with a bacteria that gives it a blue or greenish-blue veining. The cheese is usually crumbly and has a strong, pungent flavor.

Blue cheese
Brie cheese

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that is typically made from cow's milk. It has a white, edible rind and a mild, slightly nutty flavor.

Brie cheese
Buttermilk

A buttermilk is a fermented dairy product. It is made by adding bacteria to milk and allowing it to ferment.

Buttermilk
Camembert cheese

A Camembert cheese is a soft, creamy French cheese. It is made from unpasteurized cow's milk and has a white, moldy rind.

Camembert cheese
Cheddar cheese

Cheddar cheese is a hard, white cheese that is made from cow's milk. It is one of the most popular cheeses in the world.

Cheddar cheese
Cheshire cheese

A Cheshire cheese is a hard, crumbly cheese that is white in color. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a slightly crumbly texture.

Cheshire cheese
Colby cheese

Colby cheese is a type of American cheese that is mild and creamy with a slightly crumbly texture. It is made from cow's milk and is typically white or pale yellow in color.

Colby cheese
Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is a firm, crumbly white cheese from Mexico. It is used as a topping for salads, soups, and tacos.

Cotija Cheese
Cottage cheese

A cottage cheese is a cheese curd product with a mild flavor. It is often produced by cottage cheese dairies from the milk of cows, goats, or sheep.

Cottage cheese
Cream cheese

A cream cheese is a cheese made from milk and cream. It is soft and has a mild flavor.

Cream cheese
Dry milk

Dry milk is a powder made from milk that has had most of the water removed from it. It can be reconstituted by adding water and used like regular milk.

Dry milk
Edam cheese

Edam cheese is a yellow cheese that originates from the Netherlands. It has a mild, slightly salty flavor and a firm texture.

Edam cheese
Fat-free sour cream

A fat-free sour cream is a dairy product that is made from cream that has been fermented. It is thick, creamy, and slightly acidic, with a mild flavor.

Fat-free sour cream
Feta

Feta cheese is a white, brined cheese that originates from Greece. It is typically made from sheep's milk, but can also be made from goat's milk.

Feta
Fontina cheese

Fontina is a semisoft cow's milk cheese from Italy. The flavor is earthy and mildly nutty, and the texture is smooth and creamy.

Fontina cheese
Gjetost cheese

A Gjetost cheese is a brown cheese made from a mixture of goat's and cow's milk. It has a sweet, caramel-like flavor and a slightly crumbly texture.

Gjetost cheese
Goat milk

Goat milk is milk that comes from a goat. Goat milk is a popular alternative to cow milk for people who are lactose intolerant.

Goat milk
Gouda cheese

Gouda cheese is a yellowish Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is a semi-hard cheese with a creamy and nutty taste.

Gouda cheese
Gruyere cheese

A Gruyere cheese is a hard, yellow cheese that is made in Switzerland. It has a nutty flavor and is often used in fondue.

Gruyere cheese
Human milk

A human milk is a mammary secretion that provides nutrition and immunological protection for infants. It is usually white in color and contains fat, lactose, and protein.

Human milk
Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that originated in the Caucasus region. It is made by adding kefir grains to milk, which then ferment and turn the milk into a slightly carbonated, sour, and thick beverage.

Kefir
Kelp

A kelp is a large, brown algae that grows in deep, cold water. It can grow up to 50 feet long and is often used in soups and salads.

Kelp
Limburger cheese

Limburger cheese is a soft, white cheese that has a strong, pungent odor. It is made from cow's milk and is a semi-soft cheese.

Limburger cheese
Milk (2% fat)

A milk is a white liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals. It is the primary source of nutrition for infant mammals before they are able to digest other types of food.

Milk (2% fat)
Milk based protein powder

A milk based protein powder is a type of protein powder that uses milk as its main source of protein. Milk based protein powders are usually high in calcium and other nutrients, making them a good choice for those who are looking to add more protein to their diet.

Milk based protein powder
Milk whey liquid

A Milk whey liquid is a liquid that is high in protein and low in fat. It is a by-product of the cheese making process.

Milk whey liquid
Monterey cheese

A Monterey cheese is a medium-soft, white cheese with a mild flavor. It is often used in Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.

Monterey cheese
Mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a white, fresh cheese with a soft, elastic texture. It is made from whole or skimmed cow's milk and is used on pizzas and in salads.

Mozzarella cheese
Muenster cheese

A Muenster cheese is a yellowish-orange, semi-soft cheese with a mild flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a slightly crumbly texture.

Muenster cheese
Neufchatel cheese

A Neufchatel cheese is a soft cheese that originated in France. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and is lower in fat than most other cheeses.

Neufchatel cheese
Parmesan cheese

Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese made from cow's milk. It is pale yellow in color and has a sharp, nutty flavor.

Parmesan cheese
Philadelphia cream cheese

Philadelphia cream cheese is made from milk and cream, and has a smooth, creamy texture.

Philadelphia cream cheese
Port De Salut cheese

A Port De Salut cheese is a type of cheese that is made from cow's milk. It is a soft cheese that has a mild flavor.

Port De Salut cheese
Powdered egg white

A powdered egg white is a dried egg white that has been ground into a powder. It is a common ingredient in many baking recipes.

Powdered egg white
Provolone cheese

A Provolone cheese is a type of cheese that is made from cow's milk. It has a mild and nutty flavor, and it is a hard cheese.

Provolone cheese
Queso Chihuahua cheese

A Queso Chihuahua cheese is a Mexican cheese that is white and has a mild flavor. It is often used in dishes such as quesadillas and enchiladas.

Queso Chihuahua cheese
Queso Fresco cheese

A Queso Fresco cheese is a fresh cheese that is white in color and has a mild flavor. It is often used in Mexican dishes.

Queso Fresco cheese
Raw egg yolk

A raw egg yolk is a yellowish, oval-shaped part of an egg that contains all the fat and cholesterol in the egg.

Raw egg yolk
Ricotta cheese

A Ricotta cheese is a type of cheese that is made from the whey of cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk. Ricotta cheese is a soft, white cheese that has a mild, sweet flavor.

Ricotta cheese
Romano cheese

Romano cheese is a type of cheese that is made from sheep's milk. It has a strong, salty flavor and is often used in grating.

Romano cheese
Roquefort cheese

A Roquefort cheese is a type of cheese that is made from sheep's milk. It is a strong and pungent cheese that is often used in salads or as a flavoring in other dishes.

Roquefort cheese
Sheep milk

A Sheep milk is a nutritious dairy product that can be used in many different ways. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients.

Sheep milk
Sour cream

A sour cream is a dairy product made from cream that has been fermented by bacteria. The bacteria causes the cream to thicken and creates a sour taste.

Sour cream
Soy meal

A soy meal is a meal that contains soy as a main ingredient. Soy is a high-protein, low-fat legume that is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Soy meal